Get express prescriptions in minutes
icon-3
Refill Prescription
icon-4
UTI
icon-5
Birth Control
icon-6
STD
icon-6
ED
icon-1
Hair Loss
icon-2
Acne
icon-1
Allergies
icon-2
Asthma
icon-2
Malaria
icon-2
IBS
icon-2
Hemorrhoids
icon-2
Urinary Incontinence
icon-2
Conjunctivitis
Trustpilot
bookconsultancy

Easy Online Appointments

Get help for atopic eczema without leaving home. Booking an online appointment with a specialist is simple, allowing you to discuss your symptoms and start a personalised treatment plan to manage eczema more effectively and comfortably.

medical

Tailored Eczema Treatment

Atopic eczema treatment online at Mobi Doctor offers personalised care for your skin. Specialists work with you to understand your needs, providing advice on lifestyle changes, skincare, and possible medications to reduce flare-ups and soothe irritation.

bookdoctor

Dedicated Online Support

Access atopic eczema treatment online and find real support for managing your skin condition. From skincare tips to ongoing guidance, an online doctor can help you control symptoms and feel better daily.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Atopic Eczema?

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, dry, and rough patches on the skin. It’s most common in childhood, affecting around 1 in 4 children, often starting before the age of 5. Although many children outgrow the condition, about 2–3% of adults continue to experience symptoms. Eczema is not contagious, so you cannot catch it from someone else.

 

The main signs of atopic eczema include extreme itchiness, dry or cracked skin, red rashes, and sometimes even infections from scratching too much. Itching can be especially bothersome, and scratching often makes the skin worse. The condition tends to come and go in “flare-ups,” when symptoms become more intense and may last for days or weeks.

 

The exact cause of eczema isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to involve an overactive immune system, genetic factors, and environmental triggers. People with eczema often have a higher chance of developing other allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever.

 

Managing atopic eczema involves using treatments like moisturisers, anti-itch creams, or prescribed medications to reduce inflammation. Avoiding irritants and keeping up with regular skincare routines are also essential to help prevent flare-ups and keep skin healthy.

Atopic Eczema Symptoms

Atopic eczema can look different from person to person and may change over time. The symptoms often come and go in flare-ups, with periods of more severe discomfort followed by times when the skin improves. Here are the common symptoms to watch for:

  • Itchy skin: The most common symptom, often causing discomfort and worsening with scratching.

  • Dry, Cracked Skin: Skin can become rough and lose moisture, making it more prone to irritation.

  • Rashes: Red, pink, purple, or brown rashes that vary in appearance based on skin tone and appear on different parts of the body.

  • Thick, Leathery Patches: Long-term scratching can lead to areas of thickened skin, called lichenification.

  • Bumps On The Skin: Small, raised areas that may become inflamed.

  • Flaky Or Scaly Skin: The affected areas can become rough and start to peel.

  • Oozing Or Crusting: Open sores from scratching may leak fluid and form crusts.

  • Swollen, Raw Skin: The skin may become swollen and raw from excessive itching and irritation.

Eczema symptoms can also be more specific depending on age:

  • Infants: Rashes on the face and scalp that may ooze and crust.

  • Children: Rashes in skin folds, like behind the knees or inside elbows, often become dry and bumpy.

  • Adults: Scaly rashes are usually very itchy and can appear on the elbows and knees' hands, neck, or creases.

These symptoms can make daily life challenging, but there are effective ways to manage and treat atopic eczema.

Atopic Eczema Causes

The exact cause of atopic eczema is still unknown, but experts believe it’s due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system plays a key role, as an overactive response to specific triggers can lead to skin inflammation, dryness, and itching.

Here are some of the main causes and contributing factors:

  • Overactive Immune System: Atopic eczema often results from an overly sensitive immune response. When triggered, the immune system creates inflammation that causes common symptoms like redness, swelling, and irritation.

  • Genetic Factors: Eczema often runs in families. People with a family history of atopic dermatitis, hay fever, asthma, or other allergies are more likely to develop the condition. One genetic factor involves a protein called filaggrin, which helps maintain the skin’s moisture. A filaggrin deficiency can lead to drier, itchier skin and a weaker skin barrier.

  • Skin Barrier Problems: People with eczema usually have a defective skin barrier that allows moisture to escape and makes it easier for bacteria, allergens, and irritants to enter. This can lead to dry, cracked, and inflamed skin.

  • Environmental Triggers: Various environmental factors can trigger eczema flare-ups. These include extreme weather conditions (very dry or cold air), exposure to certain soaps, shampoos, and detergents, fragrances in personal care products, and certain fabrics like wool or polyester. Household irritants, such as surface cleaners, disinfectants, and dust mites, are common triggers.

  • Stress: Emotional stress can make eczema symptoms worse. While the exact reason is unclear, stress hormones may affect the immune system, leading to flare-ups. Some people feel stressed because of their eczema, which can create a cycle of worsening symptoms.

Understanding these causes can help manage eczema. Avoiding known triggers and maintaining a consistent skincare routine can reduce flare-ups and keep the skin healthier.

Atopic Eczema Treatment

Managing atopic eczema often requires a mix of skincare, medications, and lifestyle changes. Because symptoms differ for everyone, treatment plans are personalised based on the severity of the condition and individual triggers.

Skincare Basics

  • Moisturisers: Keeping the skin hydrated is essential. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturisers multiple times daily, especially right after a bath or shower when the skin is still damp. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or petrolatum to lock in moisture.

  • Gentle Cleansers: Wash with mild, unscented cleansers and avoid hot water. Take short, warm baths to prevent the skin from drying out.

Medications For Relief

  • Topical Corticosteroids: Creams or ointments that help reduce inflammation and itching. These can be mild or stronger, depending on how bad the symptoms are.

  • Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Medicines like Elidel or Protopic that calm the immune system and prevent flare-ups. They’re used carefully and usually for short periods.

  • Barrier Repair Creams: These creams help restore the skin’s natural barrier and keep moisture in.

Oral And Systemic Medications

  • Antihistamines: Pills that help with itching, especially at night, but can make you sleepy.

  • Oral Corticosteroids And Immunosuppressants: Used for severe cases to reduce inflammation, but only for short times to avoid side effects.

  • Biologics: Newer injectable medicines like dupilumab (Dupixent) target the immune system to prevent eczema flare-ups.

Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

  • UV Therapy: Controlled exposure to UV light helps with inflammation and improves skin in moderate eczema cases.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Avoid Triggers: Stay away from things that make eczema worse, like harsh soaps, extreme temperatures, and certain fabrics like wool.

  • Manage Stress: Stress can trigger eczema, so try stress-relief methods like meditation, yoga, or talking to a therapist.

Alternative Treatments

Some people use alternative therapies like vitamin D supplements, biofeedback, or natural remedies like oat baths. It’s best to talk to a doctor before trying these.

Caring For Baby Eczema

For babies, daily baths with a gentle cleanser and regular moisturising help a lot. Keep them in soft, non-irritating clothes and maintain a stable room temperature. If eczema gets worse or shows signs of infection, see a doctor.

Eczema can be challenging to manage, but with the right approach, you can keep symptoms under control and improve your skin’s health.

Atopic Eczema Prevention

While you can’t completely stop eczema, there are simple ways to help prevent flare-ups and keep your skin feeling good. Here are some easy tips:

  • Moisturise Often: To keep your skin soft and hydrated, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Apply it right after a bath or shower to lock in moisture.

  • Take Warm Baths: Use warm water, not hot, and keep baths or showers short. Hot water can make your skin even drier.

  • Stay Cool: Avoid getting too hot or sweaty, as this can exacerbate eczema. Wear loose, comfy clothes made from soft materials like cotton.

  • Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Big changes in temperature or humidity can irritate your skin. If the air in your home is very dry, use a humidifier.

  • Manage Stress: Stress can trigger eczema. To keep stress under control, take time to relax, practice deep breathing, or exercise regularly.

  • Use Gentle Products: Choose mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents. Avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.

  • Watch Your Diet: Certain foods might make eczema worse. If you notice a pattern, try to avoid those foods.

  • Wear Soft Clothes: Choose clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton. Avoid itchy materials like wool, and wash new clothes before wearing them.

  • Drink Water: Drink hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily to keep your skin healthy.

  • Protect Babies From Allergens: If your family has a history of eczema, try to reduce your baby’s exposure to things like pet hair, dust, and mold. Breastfeeding for the first few months can also help.

By following these tips, you can make eczema flare-ups less frequent and easier to manage. Mobi Doctor provides convenient online consultations for various health conditions, including atopic eczema. With experienced doctors at your fingertips, Mobi Doctor makes it easy to get personalised treatment plans and advice from the comfort of your home.

Swipe up to see a Dr.

close